Olivo de la Bruja, Ancient olive tree in Magliano in Toscana, Italy.
Olivo de la Bruja is a large olive tree located behind the Church of Annunciation with a thick, gnarled trunk reaching about 6 meters high. Its branches remain productive, and the trunk displays irregular formations and knots that developed over centuries.
This tree dates back to the Etruscan period over 3,500 years ago and is one of Europe's oldest living olive trees. Its age provides exceptional evidence of ancient settlement and farming practices in this region.
The tree's name comes from local folklore about a witch who danced around it and transformed into a cat. The gnarled trunk creates shapes that visitors interpret as figures from this tale.
The tree is accessible year-round and can be viewed from outside, as it sits in a public area behind the church. The best time for viewing is around sunset, when natural shadows highlight the trunk's details.
The trunk displays natural formations that people interpret in different ways: some see a climbing animal while others see a long-haired woman. These accidental shapes have fascinated generations of visitors and inspired local stories.
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